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Atomoxetine
A Review of its Use in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in
Children and Adolescents
Karly P. Garnock-Jones and Gillian M. Keating
Wolters Kluwer Health | Adis, Auckland, New Zealand, an editorial office of Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, USA
Various sections of the manuscript reviewed by:
J. Graham, Department of Psychiatry, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK; D.E. Greydanus, Department of Pediatrics and Human
Development, Michigan State University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA; F. Levy, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney,
New South Wales, Australia.
Data Selection
Sources: Medical literature published in any language since 1980 on atomoxetine, identified using MEDLINE and EMBASE, supplemented by AdisBase (a proprietary database
of Wolters Kluwer Health | Adis). Additional references were identified from the reference lists of published articles. Bibliographical information, including contributory unpublished
data, was also requested from the company developing the drug.
Search strategy: MEDLINE, EMBASE and AdisBase search terms were atomoxetine and [(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD) and (infants or children or
adolescents)]. Searches were last updated 10 February 2009.
Selection: Studies in pediatric patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder who received atomoxetine. Inclusion of studies was based mainly on the methods section of
the trials. When available, large, well controlled trials with appropriate statistical methodology were preferred. Relevant pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data are also
included.
Index terms: Atomoxetine, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, children, adolescents, pharmacoeconomics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic
use, tolerability.
Contents
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
2. Pharmacodynamic Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
2.1 Effects on Neurotransmitter Transporters and Receptors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
2.2 Other Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
3. Pharmacokinetic Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
3.1 Absorption and Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
3.2 Metabolism and Elimination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
3.3 Special Populations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
3.4 Drug Interactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
4. Therapeutic Efficacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
4.1 Comparisons with Placebo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
4.1.1 Short-Term Treatment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
4.1.2 Longer Term Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
4.1.3 In Stimulant-Naive Patients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
4.2 Comparisons with Stimulants or Standard Current Therapy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
4.3 In Patients with Co-Morbid Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
5. Tolerability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
5.1 Specific Adverse Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
6. Pharmacoeconomic Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
204
Summary
Abstract
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is a selective norepinephrine (noradrenaline) reuptake inhibitor that is not classified as a stimulant, and is indicated for use in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).
Atomoxetine is effective and generally well tolerated. It is significantly more effective than placebo and
standard current therapy and does not differ significantly from or is noninferior to immediate-release
methylphenidate; however, it is significantly less effective than the extended-release methylphenidate formulation OROS methylphenidate (hereafter referred to as osmotically released methylphenidate) and
extended-release mixed amfetamine salts.
Atomoxetine can be administered either as a single daily dose or split into two evenly divided doses, has a
negligible risk of abuse or misuse, and is not a controlled substance in the US. Atomoxetine is particularly
useful for patients at risk of substance abuse, as well as those who have co-morbid anxiety or tics, or who do
not wish to take a controlled substance. Thus, atomoxetine is a useful option in the treatment of ADHD in
children and adolescents.
Pharmacologic
Properties
The mechanism of action of atomoxetine is unclear, but is thought to be related to its selective inhibition of
presynaptic norepinephrine reuptake in the prefrontal cortex. Atomoxetine has a high affinity and selectivity
for norepinephrine transporters, but little or no affinity for various neurotransmitter receptors. Atomoxetine has a demonstrated ability to selectively inhibit norepinephrine uptake in humans and animals, and
studies have shown that it preferentially binds to areas of known high distribution of noradrenergic neurons,
such as the fronto-cortical subsystem.
Atomoxetine was generally associated with statistically, but not clinically, significant increases in both
heart rate and blood pressure in pediatric patients with ADHD. While there was an initial loss in expected
height and weight among atomoxetine recipients, this eventually returned to normal in the longer term. Data
suggest that atomoxetine is unlikely to have any abuse potential. Atomoxetine appeared less likely than
methylphenidate to exacerbate disordered sleep in pediatric patients with ADHD.
Atomoxetine is rapidly absorbed, and demonstrates dose-proportional increases in plasma exposure. It
undergoes extensive biotransformation, which is affected by poor metabolism by cytochrome P450 (CYP)
2D6 in a small percentage of the population; these patients have greater exposure to and slower elimination
of atomoxetine than extensive metabolizers.
Patients with hepatic insufficiency show an increase in atomoxetine exposure. CYP2D6 inhibitors, such as
paroxetine, are associated with changes in atomoxetine pharmacokinetics similar to those observed among
poor CYP2D6 metabolizers.
Therapeutic Efficacy
Once- or twice-daily atomoxetine was effective in the short-term treatment of ADHD in children and
adolescents, as observed in several well designed placebo-controlled trials. Atomoxetine also demonstrated
efficacy in the longer term treatment of these patients. A single morning dose was shown to be effective into
the evening, and discontinuation of atomoxetine was not associated with symptom rebound. Atomoxetine
efficacy did not appear to differ between children and adolescents. Stimulant-naive patients also responded
well to atomoxetine treatment.
Atomoxetine did not differ significantly from or was noninferior to immediate-release methylphenidate in
children and adolescents with ADHD with regard to efficacy, and was significantly more effective than
standard current therapy (any combination of medicines [excluding atomoxetine] and/or behavioral
counseling, or no treatment). However, atomoxetine was significantly less effective than osmotically released methylphenidate and extended-release mixed amfetamine salts.
The efficacy of atomoxetine did not appear to be affected by the presence of co-morbid disorders, and
symptoms of the co-morbid disorders were not affected or were improved by atomoxetine administration.
Atomoxetine: A Review
205
Health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) appeared to be positively affected by atomoxetine in both short- and
long-term studies; atomoxetine also improved HR-QOL to a greater extent than standard current therapy.
Tolerability
Atomoxetine was generally well tolerated in children and adolescents with ADHD. Common adverse events
included headache, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, vomiting, somnolence, and nausea. The majority of
adverse events were mild or moderate; there was a very low incidence of serious adverse events. Few patients
discontinued atomoxetine treatment because of adverse events. Atomoxetine discontinuation appeared to
be well tolerated, with a low incidence of discontinuation-emergent adverse events. Atomoxetine appeared
better tolerated among extensive CYP2D6 metabolizers than among poor metabolizers.
Slight differences were evident in the adverse event profiles of atomoxetine and stimulants, both immediate- and extended-release. Somnolence appeared more common among atomoxetine recipients and
insomnia appeared more common among stimulant recipients.
A black-box warning for suicidal ideation has been published in the US prescribing information, based on
findings from a meta-analysis showing that atomoxetine is associated with a significantly higher incidence of
suicidal ideation than placebo. Rarely, atomoxetine may also be associated with serious liver injury; postmarketing data show that three patients have had liver-related adverse events deemed probably related to
atomoxetine treatment.
Pharmacoeconomic
Evaluation:
Treatment algorithms involving the initial use of atomoxetine appear cost effective versus algorithms involving initial methylphenidate (immediate- or extended-release), dexamfetamine, tricyclic antidepressants,
or no treatment in stimulant-naive, -failed, and -contraindicated children and adolescents with ADHD. The
incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year is below commonly accepted cost-effectiveness thresholds, as
shown in several Markov model analyses conducted from the perspective of various European countries,
with a time horizon of 1 year.
1. Introduction
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder, characterized by one or both of its subtypes
(inattention and hyperactivity/impulsiveness).[1,2] Symptoms may
manifest as early as 3 years of age; however, most diagnoses occur
when the patient is aged 710 years.[3] Approximately half of
childhood ADHD patients show symptomatic features continuing
into adulthood.[1] ADHD has a prevalence of 39% in children and
adolescents in the US,[1] and 48% worldwide.[4] European rates
appear lower than US rates; however, this has been described as an
effect of using diagnostic criteria based on the International
Classification of Diseases (ICD), as opposed to Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV)[5]
criteria.[1] Male sex, low socioeconomic status, and young age are
all associated with a higher prevalence of ADHD.[6]
Co-morbid psychiatric disorders are common among patients
with ADHD, including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD),
conduct disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.[2,6]
More than two-thirds of children with ADHD have a co-morbid
condition.[2]
The etiology and pathophysiology of ADHD are, thus far,
unknown; however, genetic and developmental factors have been
implicated, as have, to a smaller degree, environmental and social
2009 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.
206
Atomoxetine has a high affinity and selectivity for norepinephrine transporters, as demonstrated in radioligand binding studies in rat brain synaptosomes,[12,15] as well as in clonal cell lines
transfected with human neurotransmitter transporters.[16] The affinity constant (Ki) values for atomoxetine inhibition of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine transporters (in MDCK
and HEK 293 cells) were 5, 77, and 1451 nmol/L.[16] Atomoxetine was associated with a much lower affinity (Ki >1 mmol/L)
for choline, GABA, and adenosine transporters,[16] as well as
many other neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels, second
messengers, and brain/gut peptides.[16]
In vitro radioligand binding studies of atomoxetine in the
human brain have demonstrated that it has little or no affinity
for various neurotransmitter receptors.[17] Ki values for atomoxetine binding to muscarinic, a-adrenergic, histamine H1,
and serotonergic (5-HT1A and 5-HT2) receptors were
94010 900 nmol/L; for atomoxetine binding to dopamine D2
receptors the Ki was >35 000 nmol/L.[17]
When norepinephrine and serotonin depletion was induced
in the rat brain in vivo, using the transporter-specific neurotoxins p-CA and DSP-4, atomoxetine was shown to inhibit the depletion of norepinephrine, but not serotonin, in a dose-dependent
manner.[16] Methylphenidate did not inhibit either transporter,
leading to normal depletion of both neurotransmitters.[16]
Localization studies, using quantitative autoradiography in
the rat brain, suggest that atomoxetine preferentially binds to
areas of known high distribution of noradrenergic neurons,
such as the fronto-subcortical system, which controls attention
and motor behavior.[18,19]
In rats, intraperitoneal atomoxetine significantly (p < 0.025)
increased extracellular norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the
prefrontal cortex by up to 290% and 323% of basal levels; serotonin
levels did not significantly differ from baseline.[16] Extracellular
2009 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.
Atomoxetine: A Review
heart rate of <10 bpm and mean increases in BP that were small
and not considered to be of clinical significance.[22] The incidence of abnormally high heart rate or BP in atomoxetine
recipients is discussed in section 5.1. Atomoxetine treatment was
not associated with QT prolongation in these clinical trials.[22]
Heart rate appears to increase to a greater extent among
atomoxetine recipients compared with stimulant recipients (section 4.2). In a study comparing the efficacy of atomoxetine with
that of the extended-release methylphenidate formulation OROS
methylphenidate (hereafter referred to as osmotically released
methylphenidate), recipients of atomoxetine showed a significantly
greater change in heart rate (+6.4 vs +3.0 bpm; p < 0.05).[23]
Another study demonstrated a greater increase in heart rate among
atomoxetine versus immediate-release methylphenidate recipients
(+8.51 vs +4.76 bpm; p = 0.005).[24] Where reported in other active
comparator trials, atomoxetine did not differ significantly from
immediate-release methylphenidate[25] or extended-release mixed
amfetamine salts[26] with regard to the increase in heart rate.
Atomoxetine is unlikely to lead to abuse.[27,28] A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial in 16 healthy volunteers
who were nondependent light drug users compared the effects
of placebo, atomoxetine 20, 45, or 90 mg and methylphenidate
20 or 40 mg on subjective, physiologic, and psychomotor
measures.[27] Results demonstrated that atomoxetine did not
significantly differ from placebo in perceptions of stimulant
and euphoric effects, but methylphenidate was associated with
significantly higher perceptions of these effects than placebo
(p < 0.05). Atomoxetine 90 mg was associated with bad and
sick feelings, differing significantly from placebo in these
measures (p < 0.05).[27] Data from a study involving six healthy
volunteers with a recent history of nontherapeutic stimulant
abuse who received methylphenidate 530 mg, atomoxetine
1590 mg, dexamfetamine 2.515 mg, triazolam 0.060.375 mg,
and placebo suggest that, while behavioral effects of atomoxetine overlap somewhat with psychomotor stimulants, it has a
low abuse potential.[28] This conclusion is potentially supported
by the lack of extracellular increase of dopamine in the nucleus
accumbens and striatum (section 2.1).[16]
Atomoxetine recipients demonstrated an initial loss in both
expected weight and height, although these shortfalls peaked at
15 and 18 months, respectively, and returned to expected measurements by 36 and 24 months, according to the interim results of a
long-term, open-label extension study.[29] Persistent decreases from
the expected measurements appeared to occur in patients who
were taller or heavier than average before treatment.[29] The
study involved pediatric patients (n = 1312; 5-year data n = 61)
who were enrolled in one of 13 clinical atomoxetine trials and
who subsequently received long-term atomoxetine treatment.
2009 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.
207
Sexual development did not appear to be affected by atomoxetine treatment in an analysis (available as an abstract) of
15 months treatment with atomoxetine compared with placebo in
children and adolescents with ADHD using Tanner staging.[30]
Children with ADHD receiving atomoxetine 11.8 mg/kg/day
had a smaller increase in sleep-onset latencies than those receiving
methylphenidate 0.91.8 mg/kg/day (12.06 vs 39.24 minutes;
p < 0.001), according to results from a randomized, double-blind,
crossover study.[31] Other actigraphy measures demonstrated that
atomoxetine recipients worsened to a significantly lesser extent
than methylphenidate recipients, with regard to total sleep interval
(p = 0.004) and assumed sleep time (p = 0.016), although methylphenidate recipients showed an improved interrupted sleep time
compared with a worsened interrupted sleep time among atomoxetine recipients (p = 0.025), as well as the number of sleep interruptions worsening to a significantly (p = 0.011) greater extent among
atomoxetine recipients than among methylphenidate recipients.[31]
When monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) have been
administered concomitantly with other drugs that affect brain
monoamine concentrations, reports of serious, sometimes fatal,
reactions have occurred. Thus, coadministration of atomoxetine and MAOIs is contraindicated.[10,11] Other drugs that
interact with atomoxetine include pressor agents (e.g. dopamine), with subsequent effects on blood pressure, and highdose nebulized[11] or systemically administered[10,11] b2-agonists
(e.g. albuterol [salbutamol]), with possible effects on heart rate
and blood pressure.[10,11] Atomoxetine should therefore be
coadministered with caution with pressor agents or b2-agonists.
Atomoxetine made no difference to the intoxicating effects of
ethanol or the cardiovascular effects of methylphenidate.[10]
The UK prescribing information states that atomoxetine
should also be used with caution with drugs that affect norepinephrine levels (such as antidepressants or certain decongestants), as there is a potential for additive or synergistic effects;
caution is also advised with drugs that lower the seizure threshold
(e.g. antidepressants, antipsychotics), as there is a potential risk of
seizures with atomoxetine.[11] When atomoxetine is administered
with QT-prolonging drugs (e.g. antipsychotics or class IA and III
antiarrhythmics), drugs that cause an imbalance in electrolytes
(e.g. thiazide diuretics), or drugs that inhibit cytochrome P450
(CYP) 2D6, there is a potential for an increased risk of QT prolongation, according to the UK prescribing information.[11] These
precautions are not specified in the US prescribing information.[10]
3. Pharmacokinetic Properties
This section focuses, where possible, on results from an openlabel pharmacokinetic study conducted in children and adolescents
Pediatr Drugs 2009; 11 (3)
208
Atomoxetine: A Review
Atomoxetine was not associated with clinically important inhibition or induction of CYP isoenzymes, including CYP1A2,
CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9.[10] No dosage adjustment is
considered necessary for drugs metabolized by CYP3A or
CYP2D6.[10]
Healthy extensive metabolizers receiving both atomoxetine
20 mg twice daily and paroxetine 20 mg once daily, a potent
CYP2D6 inhibitor, demonstrated pharmacokinetic parameters
for atomoxetine that were similar to those seen among poor metabolizers.[36] Coadministration of paroxetine with atomoxetine
was associated with 3.5-, 6.5-, and 2.5-fold increases in atomoxetine steady-state Cmax, AUC from time 1 to 12 hours, and t1=2 ,
respectively.[36] Dosage adjustment is recommended for pediatric
patients receiving potent CYP2D6 inhibitors (see section 7).[10] In
vitro studies suggest that CYP2D6 inhibitors have no effect on
atomoxetine pharmacokinetics among poor metabolizers.[10]
Atomoxetine had no effect on the binding of warfarin, aspirin
(acetylsalicylic acid), phenytoin, or diazepam to human albumin,
or vice versa, according to results from in vitro drug-displacement
studies.[10] Gastric pH-elevating drugs (e.g. antacids, omeprazole)
had no effect on the bioavailability of atomoxetine.[10]
4. Therapeutic Efficacy
The focus of this section is on data from large (n >100), fully
published, randomized, controlled trials investigating the efficacy
of atomoxetine in children and adolescents with ADHD. It
should be noted that the vast majority of atomoxetine clinical
trials included dosages that were potentially higher than the
maximum approved dosage of 1.4 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/day. For
definitions of some of the rating scale abbreviations and descriptions of rating scales referred to in this section, see table I.
4.1 Comparisons with Placebo
209
210
Table I. Definition of efficacy rating scale abbreviations and description of rating scales used in clinical studies[23-26,37-57]
Rating scale
Range
Description
054
18-item rating scale, each item corresponding to a symptom contained in the DSM-IV
ADHD diagnosis. Each item is scored from 0 (never or rarely) to 3 (very often). It
includes the subscales inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. Parent and teacher
versions are both available
NA
76-item parent- or patient-rated quality-of-life rating scale. The total score is the mean
score of the five domains (satisfaction, comfort, resilience, risk avoidance, and
achievement), which is then standardized to a t-score (a mean SD of 50 10, based
on norms of a sample of US children). A higher score implies a higher quality of life
0100
17
7-point scale for rating the improvement of mental illness, taking into account the total
clinical experience. Rating is from 1 (very much improved), through to 4 (no change), to
7 (very much worsened)
17
7-point scale for rating the severity of ADHD, taking into account the total clinical
experience. Rating is from 1 (normal) to 7 (extremely ill)
17
7-point scale for rating the severity of mental illness, taking into account the total clinical
experience. Rating is from 1 (normal) to 7 (extremely ill)
03 per item
Parent- or teacher-rated ADHD rating scale with direct links to the DSM-IV. Each item is
scored from 0 (never) to 3 (very often). Studies varied in the number of items included in
their analyses
052
033
0100
4-subscale quality-of-life rating scale. A higher score implies a higher quality of life
06 per item
03 per item
26-item rating scale (18 items for ADHD symptoms, 9 items for ODD symptoms). Each
item is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (very much). Scores are yielded in three domains:
inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional
ADHD = attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; DSM-IV = Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition; NA = not applicable;
ODD = oppositional defiant disorder.
Atomoxetine: A Review
211
six trials reporting response rates, five[38,39,41,43] reported significantly higher response rates among atomoxetine than placebo
recipients (5960% vs 2540%; all p < 0.05); the remaining trial[42]
reported no significant difference (69% vs 43%) [table II].
The two studies investigating HR-QOL, rated on the CHQ
psychosocial summary score, reported differing results. One
study[41] reported no significant difference between atomoxetine
and placebo recipients in the change from baseline in the CHQ
psychosocial summary score (+7.1 vs +3.7; baseline scores of 32.5
and 32.1). The other study[37] reported significant differences
between patients receiving any of the three dosages of atomoxetine (0.5, 1.2, and 1.8 mg/kg/day) and placebo recipients for the
change from baseline in the CHQ psychosocial summary score
(+4.4, +6.0, and +9.1 vs -0.9; all p < 0.05 vs placebo) [baseline
scores of 32.9, 35.4, 31.3, and 35.2, respectively].
Other efficacy measures, including CPRS,[37-42] CTRS,[38,40]
CGI-S,[38,42] and CGI-ADHD-S[39,40,43] scores, were also significantly
(p < 0.05) improved among atomoxetine versus placebo recipients.
Two studies specifically investigating evening efficacy of a
single morning dose of atomoxetine found that it had a positive
Table II. Efficacy of oral atomoxetine (ATO) in the short-term treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Results from eight randomized, double-blind, placebo (PL)-controlled, multicenter trials in patients (pts) aged 618 years.[37-43] The primary endpoint in all
studies was the ADHD-Rating Scale (ADHD-RS) total score
Study
Treatment
duration
(wk)
Brown et al.[41]
812
Gau et al.
[40]
616
Kelsey et al.[43]
612
Michelson et al.[37]f
818
Michelson et al.
616
Spencer et al.
712
(Study 1)
PL
51
64.4e
-5.0e
69
36.7
-17.3**
-8.7*
ATO 1.8
Spencer et al.
712
812
(Study 2)
Weiss et al.[42]
Responsec rate
(% pts)
66**
65.6e
36
-8.7***
29
37.1
-9.3
-5.2
-4.1
126
42.1
-16.7*
-8.3*
-8.5*
63***
PL
60
42.3
-7.0
-4.1
-2.9
33
ATO 1.2d
84
39.2
-13.6*
-7.0*
-6.6*
ATO 1.8d
82
39.7
-13.5*
-6.8*
-6.7*
PL
83
38.3
-5.8
-2.5
-3.2
ATO 1.2d
ATO 1.0
ATO 2.0
PL
[39]g
-10.3***e
99
PL
[39]g
ATO 0.81.8d
PL
[38]
No. of pts
ATO 2.0
PL
ATO 1.2d
PL
***
84
37.6
-12.8
-7.1
83
36.7
-5.0
-2.9
***
64
41.2
-15.6
-7.5
61
41.4
-5.5
-3.0
63
37.8
60
37.6
100
38.9
51
36.7
***
-14.4
-5.9
-14.5***
-7.2
-7.6
***
***
***
-5.7***
60***
-2.1
31
***
-8.0
64***
-2.5
25
**
59*
-6.9
-3.0
-2.9
40
-7.5*
-7.0***
69
-4.3
-3.0
43
a Treatment was administered either once daily in the morning[38,40-43] or in divided doses twice daily, in the morning and early evening.[37,39]
b Investigator-administered parent[37-40,43] or teacher[41,42] version.
c Defined as 25% reduction from baseline in ADHD-RS total score;[38,39,43] an endpoint t-score using chi-square analyses that was no worse than 1 SD below
age and sex norms;[41] or 20% reduction from baseline in ADHD-RS total score.[42]
d Of the four fixed-dose trials, one titrated patients to a target dosage of ATO 0.5, 1.2, or 1.8 mg/kg/day,[37] and three titrated patients to a target dosage of
ATO 1.0[38] or 1.2[42,43] mg/kg/day, although the dosage could be further increased to 1.5[38] or 1.8[42,43] mg/kg/day if required. The remaining four trials
titrated patients according to therapeutic response; permitted ATO dosages were 0.81.8,[41] 1.8,[40] or 2[39] mg/kg/day.
e The ADHD-RS total score was standardized to a t-score (a mean SD of 50 10, based on norms of a sample of children) in this study.
f An additional ATO treatment group (ATO 0.5 mg/kg/day) was included, but results have not been reported as this group was only present to show any dosedependent effect and was not included in the primary analysis.
g Methylphenidate treatment group was included as a positive control, but the data are not reported.
*
212
Atomoxetine: A Review
Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials have investigated the efficacy of atomoxetine in
stimulant-naive patients aged 615[60] or 715[59] years with a
K-SADS-PL-confirmed DSM-IV diagnosis of ADHD.[59,60]
Some additional efficacy data for the 12-week study[60] were taken
from an abstract.[63] Patients were randomized to treatment with
atomoxetine (n = 49[59] and 99[60]) or placebo (n = 50[59,60] ) for
10[59] or 12[60] weeks. The atomoxetine dosage, taken in the morning, was 0.5 mg/kg/day (40 mg/kg in patients weighing >70 kg[59])
for the first 1[59] or 2[60] weeks and increased to a target[60] dosage
of 1.2 mg/kg/day (80 mg/day in patients weighing >70 kg[59]) for
the rest of the treatment period.[59,60]
Eligible patients had an ADHD-RS total score of 1.5 standard deviations above the US[59] age[59,60] and sex[59] norms for
their diagnostic subtype, were stimulant-naive,[59,60] and were
newly diagnosed.[60] Exclusion criteria included impaired intellect;[59,60] serious medical illness;[59] a history of psychosis,[59,60]
bipolar disorder[59,60] or pervasive developmental disorder;[60]
alcohol or drug abuse[59,60] within the past 3 months;[59] use of
2009 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.
213
214
Table III. Efficacy of atomoxetine (ATO) vs other attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication in the treatment of children and adolescents with
ADHD. Results from six randomized, open-label[25,50,51] or double-blind,[23,24,26] multicenter trials comparing the efficacy of ATO with immediate-release
methylphenidate (MPH),[24,25] osmotically released MPH (OR MPH),[23,51] extended-release mixed amfetamine salts (MAS)[26] or standard current therapy
(SCT)[50] in patients (pts) aged 616 years
Study
Treatment
duration
(wk)
[51]
Kemner et al.
Age of pts
(y)
612
(FOCUS)
[25]
Kratochvil et al.
Newcorn et al.
10
[23]
Treatmenta
No.
of
pts
10
Wigal et al.[26]
baseline endpoint
baseline change
ATO
850
38.6
-16.0
69
473
39.9
-20.2**e
80**
ATO 2 mg/kg/day
178
39.4
-19.4
79 (girls)
40
37.6
-17.8e
616
222
40.9
-14.4
45ze
220
40.0
-16.9*
56*zzg,e
74
41.7
-7.3
104
45.5
23.5-h
715
baseline change
Response
ratec
(% pts)
OR MPHd
Mean SKAMP
deportment score
715 (boys)
(SUNBEAM)
Wang et al.[24]
Mean CHIP-CE
total t-score
PL
Prasad et al.[50]
Mean ADHD-RSb
total score
616
612
(StART)
24e
23.2
79-/65-i
48/35i
97
45.6
33.7
162
38.6
-21.1
77e,k
164
37.4
-21.6
82e
101
23.9
38.4-e
30.8
1.63
102
1.44
-0.13e
**e
-0.56
38/28l
70**/68**l
a ATO was administered either once daily,[24,26,51] in divided doses twice daily,[23,25] or one or the other.[50] MPH was administered either twice daily[24] or one
of once, twice or three times daily.[25] OR MPH and MAS were both administered once daily.[23,26,51]
b Studies used an investigator-administered version of the parent[24,25] or an unspecified[23,50,51] version of ADHD-RS.
c Defined as a 25%[50,51] and/or 40%[23,24,50] reduction from baseline in ADHD-RS total score; or a 25% improvement on the SKAMP deportment or
attention scales.[26]
d Dosage was individually tailored to simulate clinical practice, on the basis of clinical judgment and the US FDA-approved prescribing information.
e Primary endpoint.
f Cytochrome P450 2D6 poor metabolizers received ATO 0.21.0 mg/kg/day.
g ATO did not demonstrate noninferiority to OR MPH.
h Presented as value at endpoint, not change from baseline.
i Data presented as 25%/40% response rate.
j SCT included any combination of medicines (excluding atomoxetine) and/or behavioral counseling, or no treatment.
k ATO was noninferior to MPH.
l SKAMP deportment/attention scale response rate.
ADHD-RS = ADHD-Rating Scale; CHIP-CE = Child Health and Illness Profile-Child Edition; FOCUS = Formal Observation of Concerta versUs Strattera;
PL = placebo; SKAMP = Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale; StART = Strattera/Adderall Randomized Trial; SUNBEAM = Study into the broader
efficacy of atomoxetine; * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.001 vs ATO; - p < 0.001 vs SCT; z p = 0.003, zz p 0.001 vs placebo.
Atomoxetine: A Review
215
216
While most of the major efficacy trials investigating atomoxetine have allowed the inclusion of patients with co-morbid
ODD, other disorders are also common in patients with ADHD,
and were either not permitted in these trials or patient numbers
with these co-morbid disorders were low. Therefore, randomized,
double-blind, placebo-controlled trials,[52-57] mainly of multicenter design,[52-55,57] have been conducted in patients with comorbid anxiety disorders,[52,53] depressive disorders,[53,55] tic disorders (including Tourettes syndrome),[57] and autism spectrum
disorders (including Aspergers syndrome).[56] An additional trial
2009 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.
Atomoxetine: A Review
217
5. Tolerability
This section focuses primarily on data from the US prescribing information,[10] supplemented by data from two metaanalyses[65,66] and the trials reported in section 4.[23-26,37-43,46,47,50-57]
Oral atomoxetine was generally well tolerated in children and
adolescents with ADHD. Common (5% of atomoxetine recipients and reported by numerically more atomoxetine than placebo
recipients) adverse events from placebo-controlled trials of 18
weeks duration are shown in figure 1, and included headache,
abdominal pain, decreased appetite, vomiting, somnolence, and
nausea.[10]
ATO
PL
Dizziness
Irritability
Fatigue
Nausea
Somnolence
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Abdominal pain
Headache
0
10
15
Incidence (% patients)
20
218
continuation (weight +3.3 vs +1.2 kg; p < 0.001;[47] weight percentile +9.9 vs +0.72; p < 0.001[46]). Of the active comparator
studies, one[24] found significantly (p < 0.001) greater weight loss
among atomoxetine versus immediate-release methylphenidate
recipients (-1.2 vs -0.4 kg), and one[23] found significantly lower
weight loss among atomoxetine versus osmotically released methylphenidate recipients (-0.6 vs -0.9 kg; p < 0.05). Where reported in the other active comparator trials, weight loss did not
differ significantly between treatment groups.[25,50] Longer term
weight data (5 years) are presented in section 2.2, and imply that
this weight loss is not permanent.
Where reported, no clinically significant changes in laboratory test values occurred in any of the short-[23-25,40,42,43] or
long-[46,47] term trials.
Atomoxetine was associated with a significantly (p < 0.05)
greater incidence of somnolence (1126% vs 04%),[24,25] nausea
(20% vs 10%),[24] vomiting (12% vs 04%),[24,25] anorexia (37% vs
25%),[24] and dizziness (15% vs 7%)[24] compared with immediaterelease methylphenidate. Immediate-release methylphenidate
was associated with a significantly (p < 0.05) greater incidence of
abnormal thinking than atomoxetine (5% vs 0%).[25] One study
found that the incidence of discontinuation due to adverse events
did not differ significantly between groups;[25] another showed
significantly (p < 0.05) more atomoxetine than immediate-release
methylphenidate recipients discontinued because of treatmentemergent adverse events (11% vs 4%), and had an overall significantly (p < 0.001) greater incidence of treatment-emergent
adverse events (87% vs 68%).[24]
In one study comparing atomoxetine with osmotically released
methylphenidate and placebo,[23] recipients of atomoxetine had a
significantly (p < 0.05) greater incidence of somnolence compared
with osmotically released methylphenidate but not placebo (6% vs
2% and 4%), whereas osmotically released methylphenidate was
associated with a significantly (p < 0.05) greater incidence of insomnia compared with atomoxetine and placebo (13% vs 7%
and 1%).[23] Both atomoxetine and osmotically released methylphenidate were associated with a significantly higher incidence of
decreased appetite compared with placebo (14% and 17% vs 3%),
but did not differ significantly from each other. Atomoxetine was
associated with a significantly higher rate of any treatment-emergent adverse events than placebo (67% vs 54%); osmotically released methylphenidate did not differ from either other treatment
group in this measure (67%).[23] In the other study comparing atomoxetine to osmotically released methylphenidate, adverse events
included somnolence (4% of atomoxetine vs 1% of osmotically
released methylphenidate recipients), nausea (5% vs 1%), fatigue
(3% vs 0%), insomnia (2% vs 6%), and decreased appetite (3% vs
6%).[51] Atomoxetine and osmotically released methylphenidate
2009 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.
recipients did not differ significantly in overall incidence of adverse events, the incidence of treatment-related adverse events, or
the incidence of discontinuations due to adverse events.
In the trial comparing atomoxetine with extended-release
mixed amfetamine salts, the most commonly occurring treatment-related adverse events among atomoxetine recipients were
somnolence (19% of patients), decreased appetite (18%), upper
abdominal pain (15%), and headache, and among extendedrelease mixed amfetamine recipients were insomnia (28% of patients), decreased appetite (28%), upper abdominal pain (19%),
and anorexia (17%).[26] In this study, a total of 73% of atomoxetine versus 85% of extended-release mixed amfetamine salt recipients reported treatment-emergent adverse events, 65% versus
74% reported a study medication-related adverse event, and 4%
and 7% discontinued treatment because of adverse events.[26]
A pooled analysis using data from two open-label atomoxetine studies demonstrated that the initiation of therapy using a
twice-daily divided dose regimen compared with a once-daily
regimen could potentially decrease the risk of adverse events
within the first few weeks of treatment.[67] The incidence of
decreased appetite in the first 2 weeks was significantly higher
among once-daily than among twice-daily atomoxetine recipients (14% vs 8%; p = 0.036), as was somnolence (14% vs 4%;
p < 0.001). The incidence of headache was, however, lower
among once-daily recipients (7% vs 17%; p = 0.003).
Discontinuation of atomoxetine appears to be well tolerated.
A prospective pooled analysis of two 9- to 10-week trials in
children aged 712 years with ADHD demonstrated that after a
1-week discontinuation phase, during which all patients received
placebo in a single-blind manner, there was a low incidence of
discontinuation-emergent adverse events, and no significant differences were observed between patients previously receiving
atomoxetine and those receiving placebo throughout.[45]
5.1 Specific Adverse Events
Atomoxetine: A Review
219
220
Table IV. Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of atomoxetine vs other or no medication in children[69-72] and adolescents[70] with attention-deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). Incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, estimated using a Markov model with a time horizon of 1 year
Study
Cottrell et al.
Perspective
[69]
Year of
costing
stimulant-naive pts
stimulant-failed pts
stimulant-contraindicated pts
IM MPH
ER MPH
DA IR
TCA
d14 945
2004
d15 224
d13 241
Diamantopoulos et al.[72]b
NR
h18 227
h7778
Laing et al.[71]b
Dutch societal
NR
h18 831
h22 804
Tilden et al.[70]b
2005
h25 463c
h19 162c
no med
no med
d11 523/12 370a
h14 385
h13 120
h14 916
Dominant
h21 497c
h22 385c
a Stimulant-naive/-exposed patients.
b Available as abstract plus poster.
c Converted from Norwegian kroner (NOK) using the exchange rate as at 13/10/2005 of NOK1 = h0.12784.
DA IR = dexamfetamine immediate release; ER MPH = extended-release methylphenidate; IM MPH = immediate-release methylphenidate; NHS = National
Health Service; no med = no medication; NR = not reported; pts = patients; TCA = tricyclic antidepressants.
Table V. Summary of recommended atomoxetine dosage and administration in pediatric patients according to bodyweight.a Local prescribing information should be consulted for further details
Atomoxetine
dosage
70 kg
(mg/kg/day)
>70 kg
(mg/day)
Initial dosage
0.5
40
Target dosageb
1.2
80
Maximum dosage
1.4 (US)
100
Atomoxetine: A Review
221
potential (but not US FDA-approved) therapies include bupropion, tricyclic antidepressants, and a-adrenergic agonists.[74]
While the immediate-release formulations of methylphenidate and amfetamines have been shown to be effective in
ADHD, they require multiple daily doses to achieve the optimal
effect, and can potentially be associated with abuse or misuse.[77] Longer acting, once daily, extended-release formulations of stimulants are just as effective as immediate release, and
are easier to administer; however, they may be associated with
pharmacokinetic variability, as they rely on pH and gastrointestinal transit time for delivery of the active ingredient.[77]
Atomoxetine is the first drug not classified as a stimulant to be
approved for ADHD, and, unlike stimulants, is not a controlled
substance.[78] It also has low to no abuse or misuse potential.[79]
The issue of stimulant abuse is, however, controversial. It has
been stated that patients who are being administered therapeutic
dosages of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD do not normally have a problem with abuse; in fact, there is the possibility
that stimulant treatment may reduce the chance of substance
abuse in ADHD patients.[79] More emphasis is placed on the risk
of diversion of immediate-release stimulants for recreation or
performance enhancement (extended-release formulations can be
used, but it is more difficult to extract the drug).[79]
In well designed clinical trials of 69 weeks duration, atomoxetine was effective in pediatric patients (including stimulantnaive patients) with ADHD, demonstrating greater improvements
from baseline in efficacy measures than placebo (sections 4.1.1 and
4.1.3). Atomoxetine was also effective in preventing relapse in
longer term trials; its efficacy was maintained for at least 2 years
(section 4.1.2). Atomoxetine, despite a half-life of just over 3 hours,
shows efficacy into the evening if given as a single morning dose
(section 4.1.1), and can be administered either as a single dose or
two evenly divided doses (section 7).[10] However, a recent study
has shown that the risk of some adverse events may be lower if
atomoxetine is initiated as a twice-daily regimen (section 5).[67]
Prospective trials are required to confirm this possibility.
Co-morbid disorders (such as anxiety disorders, depressive
disorders, tic disorders, and autism spectrum disorders), common
in ADHD patients, were either not affected or improved on administration of atomoxetine, and efficacy with regard to ADHD
was not affected by the presence of co-morbidities (section 4.3).
However, four[53,54,56,57] of the six[52-57] trials in patients with comorbid disorders did not have ADHD symptom measures as their
primary endpoints, and thus definitive conclusions with regard to
the efficacy of atomoxetine cannot be drawn from these studies.
Comparisons with other ADHD medications revealed
mixed results with regard to primary efficacy measures.
Atomoxetine appeared more effective than standard current
Pediatr Drugs 2009; 11 (3)
222
therapy (any combination of medicines [immediate- or extendedrelease methylphenidate or clonidine] and/or behavioral counseling, or no treatment) and as effective as, or noninferior to,
immediate-release methylphenidate, but less effective than osmotically released methylphenidate or extended-release mixed
amfetamine salts (section 4.2). However, the extended-release
mixed amfetamine salts study[26] and one of the osmotically
released methylphenidate studies[51] were of only3 weeks duration; full benefits of atomoxetine often take several weeks
(potentially up to 8 weeks)[8] to occur.[2,8,63,64] Studies involving
a longer treatment period are required before conclusions can
be drawn in these comparisons. Also, one of the immediaterelease methylphenidate studies[25] was not powered for a direct
comparison, and should only be used as supporting data for the
other immediate-release methylphenidate study.[24]
The studies had other potential limitations. Three of the
active comparator trials were open-label,[25,50,51] and only one
was placebo controlled.[23] The comparison of atomoxetine
with extended-release mixed amfetamine salts[26] was conducted in a laboratory classroom, and thus different from a
normal classroom atmosphere; all children had ADHD (rather than a small proportion), and the number of observers and
staff was higher than in an average non-laboratory classroom.
This study also excluded patients with the inattentive subtype
of ADHD, thus not allowing comparison in these patients.[26]
The two studies investigating atomoxetine versus osmotically
released methylphenidate both excluded, for ethical reasons,
patients with no response to previous methylphenidate treatment, thus introducing a possible methylphenidate-slanted
bias.[23,51] Patients with tic[23,51] or anxiety disorders[23] were
also excluded, again for ethical reasons, which would also potentially bias results in favor of methylphenidate (which is
contraindicated in these disorders), as atomoxetine may potentially be more beneficial in these populations.
Interestingly, the significant difference in efficacy observed
between atomoxetine and osmotically released methylphenidate
was not present when only the stimulant-naive patients in the
population of one study were investigated;[23] stimulant-exposed
patients still demonstrated a significant treatment difference
(section 4.2). This may reflect study design, as the trial excluded
patients with no response to previous methylphenidate treatment.
Overall, the impact of atomoxetine treatment on HR-QOL
appears positive. In shorter term, placebo-controlled trials,
HR-QOL either stayed constant or was improved, and longer
term, placebo-controlled trials also demonstrated positive effects (sections 4.1.1, 4.1.2, and 4.1.3). HR-QOL was also improved to a greater extent with atomoxetine than with standard
current therapy (section 4.2).
2009 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved.
Pharmacoeconomic analyses suggest that initial atomoxetine treatment appears cost effective compared with initial
methylphenidate (both immediate- and extended-release),
dexamfetamine, tricyclic antidepressants or no treatment (section 6), demonstrating a cost per QALY that was below commonly accepted cost-effectiveness thresholds.
Several of the most commonly occurring adverse events with
atomoxetine administration were generally consistent with increased noradrenergic tone (e.g. somnolence, vomiting) [section 5];
other common adverse events included headache and decreased
appetite. Adverse events were generally classified as mild or
moderate, and serious adverse events were rare. An increase in
suicidal ideation among atomoxetine versus placebo recipients led
to a black-box warning for children and adolescents (section 5.1).
Rarely, severe liver injury may also occur in atomoxetine recipients, with three reports of liver-related adverse events deemed
probably related to atomoxetine treatment in the 4 years following
its market launch. There have also been reports of sudden death in
patients with serious structural cardiac abnormalities and other
serious heart problems receiving atomoxetine. Discontinuation of
atomoxetine is well tolerated, with a low incidence of discontinuation-emergent adverse events and no evidence of symptom rebound (sections 4.1.1 and 5). In contrast, there has been
some anecdotal evidence of symptom rebound and discontinuation-emergent adverse events following withdrawal of stimulants,
with dexamfetamine potentially causing more rebound than
methylphenidate.[80]
Slight differences were noted in the adverse events profiles of
atomoxetine and extended-release stimulants, probably reflecting
differences in their mechanisms of action (e.g. atomoxetine appeared more commonly associated with somnolence, osmotically
released methylphenidate with insomnia). The adverse event
profile of atomoxetine also differed somewhat to that of immediate-release methylphenidate; for example, atomoxetine was
associated with a significantly higher incidence of somnolence,
nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and dizziness (section 5).
In contrast, stimulants are commonly associated with appetite
suppression, stomach pain, insomnia, and weight loss.[4] There is
also a possible potential for tic disorders and growth effects, as
well as potential cardiovascular problems; the US prescribing
information for mixed amfetamine salts includes a black-box
warning regarding cardiovascular disorders, and other stimulants
carry contraindications and warnings for patients with cardiovascular conditions.[4] However, with stimulants only two nonfatal adverse cardiovascular events occur per million
prescriptions, and less than one death occurs per million.[80] Stimulant treatment effects on growth is controversial.[80] There
is evidence that growth is affected by many factors, and thus it is
Pediatr Drugs 2009; 11 (3)
Atomoxetine: A Review
223
224
Changes resulting from any comments received were made on the basis of
scientific and editorial merit.
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